Present Day
With the critical support of local and national donors, as well as numerous granting agencies, the Sheridan Arts Foundation continues to fulfill its three-part mission to protect and preserve the historic Sheridan Opera House as an arts and cultural resource for the Telluride community, bring quality arts and cultural events to Telluride & provide local and national youth with access and exposure to the arts through education.
In addition to the over $2.4 million spent on the restoration of the Sheridan Opera House, highlights of the Sheridan Arts Foundation include:
Wild West Fest program: hosting 30-50 youth from various Boys and Girls Clubs across the country in Telluride for a week of confidence-boosting activities including the Chip Allen Mentorship Program each summer since 1992. Children attend at no cost to their families.
Programming: The Sheridan Opera House is in use approximately 250 days a year, with 70 nights of programming from the Sheridan Arts Foundation, an additional 70 nights of programming or private events from renters and over 100 days used for Young People’s Theater rehearsals. Notable performers include Smokey Robinson, Shawn Colvin, Darlene Love, Chuck Jackson, Jackson Browne and Jewel.
Telluride Plein Air: hosting nationally renowned plein air artists since 2004 to paint the architecture and landscapes in the Telluride region and raise necessary general operating and programming funds.
Young People’s Theater: involving 250 local youth ages 2-18 each year, producing three full-length musicals and a variety of classes.
Rental Subsidies: subsidizing rent to local non-profits, schools and small local businesses averaging $80-$100,000 each year.